TAKING ON HEROIN

This is one more chapter in the continuing saga of drug abuse in
America.

The sellers of black tar heroin find it to be a much more rewarding
activity than working at minimum-wage jobs.

Their customers resort to criminal behavior to fund their purchases,
and the dance goes on.

The only solution to this long-standing problem is to provide addicts
with low-cost drugs in a government-funded and -controlled program.
The same program should provide counseling, therapy and assistance in
finding employment.

Opponents will always argue that the government would be aiding and
abetting criminal behavior. But the "war on drugs" is a demonstrated
failure, and it is high time for a more reasoned approach.

John Nelson

Los Angeles